Uncle Ato, a well renowned Ghanaian gospel musician, has recently emphasized the importance of church leaders not only supporting orphanages but also looking after the instrumentalists and other needy members within their own congregations. His call reflects a broader principle of community and care within the church setting, where He references scriptures like Luke 10:7 (“every laborer deserves their wages”) and 1 Corinthians 9 to underline that those who contribute to the church, particularly through music, should be taken care of, similar to how one supports external causes like orphanages.
Uncle Ato suggests that even if churches cannot provide a regular salary for these contributors, they should at least show care and concern for their well-being. This could involve providing support for basic needs like food, shelter, or transportation to church activities. There’s an underlying message of valuing the contributions of church musicians and others who serve without monetary compensation.
This recognition should extend beyond mere appreciation to tangible support, mirroring the church’s outreach efforts to orphanages and the less fortunate outside the church community. His advocacy encourages a more holistic approach to ministry, where the church nurtures its own members’ welfare alongside external charitable acts, promoting a balanced view of service and support within and beyond the church walls.
Uncle Ato’s advice touches on a broader theme of stewardship and mutual care within religious communities, urging church leaders to extend their benevolence internally as well as externally.